Portuguese energy company Galp has taken a final investment decision on two projects that will reduce the carbon footprint of its Sines refinery, attract investment from Japanese trading company Mitsui, the companies said.
Galp and Mitsui are joining forces to produce and market advanced biofuels from Sines by creating a 75/25 joint venture (JV) and investing in a large scale 270 ktpa unit adjacent to the Sines refinery.
The unit will use waste residues to produce renewable diesel (hydrotreated vegetable oil – HVO) and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), allowing to avoid c.800 ktpa of greenhouse gas emissions (Scope 3, CO2e), when compared to its fossil fuels alternatives.
This partnership brings together the vast industrial expertise of both companies, combining Galp’s market and operational synergies with Mitsui’s global presence, also supporting the procurement of the plant’s feedstock needs, according to a news release from Galp.
The plant will use Axens’ technology and the consortium Technip Energies / Technoedif Engenharia has been selected as the main Engineering, Procurement and Construction Management (EPCM) provider.
The total investments in the new plant are estimated at €400m.
Galp will operate the plant and plans to consolidate proportionally (75%) all businesses related with the JV.
Galp separately will invest in the construction of a 100 MW electrolysis plant, to produce up to 15 ktpa of renewable hydrogen.
The project will allow the replacement of 20% of the existing grey hydrogen consumption of the Sines refinery and may lead to greenhouse gas emissions reduction of 110 ktpa (Scope 1 &2, CO2e).
The electrolysers will be supplied by renewable power, originated from long-term supply agreements, also leveraging on the Galp renewable power asset base. The unit will use industrial recycled water, with expected annual consumption representing less than 3% of the average annual needs of the refinery.
Plug Power was awarded the order for the 100 MW proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolysers, whilst Technip Energies will be the main EPCM provider.
The total investments for this green hydrogen project are estimated at €250m.
